Iran announces $30,000 reward for capturing or killing US soldiers

TEHRAN: Iran has announced a $30,000 reward for anyone who kills or captures a US servicemember and hands them over to Iranian authorities, in a striking escalation of rhetoric amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian Army chief Maj Gen Amir Hatami announced the reward, saying it had been introduced after what he described as a large number of public requests to participate in the confrontation with the United States.

Under the reported scheme, a person who kills or captures a US soldier and hands the servicemember to Iranian authorities would receive $30,000, or the equivalent of about 5 billion Iranian tomans. Hatami reportedly said the reward would be doubled if the action was carried out by a woman.

The announcement comes as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high. Tehran has repeatedly demanded that American forces leave the region, while Washington has maintained a significant military presence across the Middle East.

Despite the threat, there are no known US ground forces permanently deployed inside Iran. Reports indicate that American personnel entered Iranian territory in April during a rescue operation following the crash of a US aircraft.

Hatami also issued a warning over the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, saying American forces would not be allowed to return. His comments came after US President Donald Trump made controversial statements concerning the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint because it is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Any further escalation around the passage could have consequences well beyond the region, particularly for global oil markets.

The latest Iranian announcement adds another provocative dimension to an already tense confrontation, raising concerns over the safety of US personnel and the possibility of further escalation across the Middle East.